Estonian Rescue Services Agency to test sirens with beep sound
Today, the Estonian Rescue Services Agency is conducting a technical siren test, featuring a low-volume beeping sound
In cooperation with the Information Technology and Development Centre of the Ministry of the Interior (SMIT), the Estonian Rescue Services Agency will carry out a technical test of the siren network today, October 30, between 14:00 and 15:00. As part of the test, a short sound file with a beep will be activated on all siren posts. The rising and falling tone used in real life emergencies will not be used on this occasion. The siren network is part of Estonia’s EE-ALARM system.
The sound file has been selected to ensure it does not disrupt daily life, while still being audible.
Listen to the sound file that will be played on Thursday afternoon.
The purpose of the test is to assess the timing parameters of the siren network activation and its overall technical performance. The Rescue Services and SMIT will continue to carry out such technical tests routinely, most of which do not involve activating sound on the devices.
The sirens were first tested nationwide on May 14 during the Defence Forces’ exercise Siil. At that time, issues were identified: in two-thirds of locations, the sirens activated on time, while in many others there were delays. The main cause of the problem was a faulty control module in the devices.
By early August, the electronics in the siren posts’ had been replaced at the manufacturer’s expense, and the monitoring system was improved. In mid-August, SMIT and the Rescue Service tested all sirens using a silent file, during which all siren posts received the activation signal on time.
A more extensive test of the sirens and the public warning system EE-ALARM is planned for December 10 across Estonia.
The EE-ALARM public warning system used in Estonia enables the rapid dissemination of information and instructions to the public in situations where there is a threat to many lives. The siren network is one of the channels through which the state can quickly notify people. Other EE-ALARM channels include app notifications, location-based SMS messages, and alerts via ERR (Estonian Public Broadcasting) channels.
In the event of a real emergency, the sirens will be activated with a sound consisting of a one-minute rising and falling tone, repeated at least three times with 30-second pauses in between. The total duration of the siren sound is approximately four minutes. Upon hearing the siren, immediately take shelter in the nearest indoor space. The siren sound can be heard on the website olevalmis.ee.
The EE-ALARM channels must be tested periodically to ensure the system’s reliability, evaluate the success of developments, and plan future improvements.